Cross-river transit across the Brahmaputra River in Assam is set for a substantial upgrade as the Ministry of Railways prepares to commence construction on the Second Saraighat Rail-Cum-Road Bridge. Alongside the construction of the new span, the comprehensive infrastructure venture encompasses track doubling between the Agthori and Kamakhya railway stations. Operating under the administrative oversight of the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, the project is designed to expand transit throughput around Guwahati while solidifying transport arteries throughout the broader northeastern region.
Design and Engineering Specifications of the Double-Decker Bridge
The core of the undertaking involves a 1.3-kilometre double-decker bridge designed to carry multi-modal traffic across the river. The lower deck will accommodate two railway tracks, while the upper level will host a three-lane vehicular carriageway alongside dedicated pedestrian footpaths. This marks a major capacity expansion compared to the existing Saraighat Bridge, which functions with only a single railway track and a two-lane roadway. The main river structure will rest on deep well foundations and feature a welded Open Web Girder superstructure spanning 125 metres.
To integrate the main crossing with regional networks, specialized approach viaducts will be erected on both shores. The alignment includes a viaduct extending approximately 600 metres on the Agthori side and a 200-metre structure on the Kamakhya approach. These elevated approach paths will be anchored by pile foundations utilizing composite girder superstructures.
Highway Integration and the Agthori-Kamakhya Rail Doubling
The infrastructure scheme is planned to interface directly with regional road systems developed by the National Highways Authority of India. This roadway integration will secure continuous movement toward Jalukbari on one bank while establishing direct links with the road network around Agthori on the opposite bank. Concurrently, the 7.20-kilometre Agthori-Kamakhya railway doubling project will introduce a second track along the critical rail corridor. The Railway Ministry formally sanctioned the track doubling in 2024, assigning its engineering and execution to Larsen & Toubro.
Timeline, Digital Instrumentation, and Regional Impact
Northeast Frontier Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma highlighted that the development will enhance capacity across Assam's logistics network, smoothing operations for passenger traffic and commercial freight alike. Execution plans prioritize modern construction methods, advanced digital engineering, and stringent safety criteria. To oversee structural health throughout the lifecycle of the crossing, engineers will implement dedicated digital monitoring and bridge instrumentation frameworks.
Piling operations are targeted to begin in October 2026, with related civil construction activities expected to gather momentum across the ongoing financial year. Once completed over the coming years, the twin-track railway section will streamline train passage across the Brahmaputra, while the three-lane deck will relieve commuter congestion between the northern and southern banks of Guwahati.
